The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to help low-income households purchase nutritious food. In Maryland, the amount of benefits a household receives is calculated based on its net income, which is determined by subtracting certain eligible deductions from the total gross income. This guide breaks down the specific bills and expenses that count toward your Maryland SNAP calculation.
How Your Bills Affect Your SNAP Benefits
To determine your monthly SNAP allotment, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) first looks at your household's total gross income. Then, certain expenses are deducted to arrive at a net income figure. The lower your net income, the higher your potential SNAP benefits. Reporting all applicable costs can make a significant difference in your final benefit amount.
Eligible Shelter Expenses
Shelter costs are a major factor in calculating SNAP benefits and can lead to a significant deduction. These expenses include:
- Rent or Mortgage Payments: Your monthly rent or mortgage payment is an eligible deduction.
- Property Taxes and Homeowners Insurance: For homeowners, property taxes and homeowners insurance are also factored into your shelter costs.
- Excess Shelter Deduction: Households can deduct excess shelter costs that are more than half of the household's income after other deductions have been applied.
For most households without an elderly or disabled member, there is a maximum cap on the excess shelter deduction. However, if your household includes a member who is elderly (age 60 or older) or has a disability, the excess shelter deduction is uncapped, meaning the full amount of your eligible excess shelter expenses can be deducted.
Utility Costs and Allowances
Instead of calculating actual monthly utility costs, Maryland SNAP uses standard utility allowances (SUA) to simplify the process and provide a consistent deduction. The standard allowances were adjusted effective January 1, 2024.
- Standard Utility Allowance (SUA): This is for households responsible for heating and/or cooling costs. As of early 2024, the SUA was $551 per month. By being responsible for your heating or cooling, you qualify for this higher allowance, regardless of your actual monthly usage.
- Limited Utility Allowance (LUA): Households that are responsible for at least two utilities, but not heating or cooling, can claim the LUA. As of early 2024, this allowance was $337.
- Telephone Allowance: Households with telephone service, but no other utilities, can receive a smaller standard deduction. As of early 2024, this amount was $40.
Other Important Deductions
In addition to shelter and utility costs, several other expenses can be deducted from your income to increase your SNAP benefits:
Dependent Care Costs
If you pay for childcare or care for a disabled adult to allow a household member to work, look for a job, or attend training/education, these actual costs can be deducted.
Medical Expenses for Qualifying Members
If a household member is 60 or older or receives certain disability payments, out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 per month can be deducted from your income. This includes costs like:
- Health insurance premiums
- Prescriptions and other medical supplies
- Doctor and hospital visit co-pays
- Dental care and eyeglasses
Legally Owed Child Support Payments
Any child support payments legally owed and paid by a household member to a non-household member can be deducted from your gross income.
Comparison of Eligible vs. Non-Eligible Bills
To help clarify what counts, the following table compares typical expenses that are either eligible or ineligible for deduction in Maryland SNAP calculations.
| Bill Type | Eligible for Deduction? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | Yes | A major component of the shelter deduction. |
| Property Taxes | Yes | Deductible as part of shelter costs for homeowners. |
| Electricity/Gas (Heating/Cooling) | Yes | Covered under the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). |
| Water/Sewer | Yes | Included in the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). |
| Telephone Bill | Yes | Included in the Telephone Allowance or SUA/LUA if applicable. |
| Cable/Internet | No | Considered non-essential and not an eligible deduction. |
| Childcare Fees | Yes | Deductible if needed for work or training. |
| Medical Bills (Age 60+/Disabled) | Yes | Costs over $35/month can be deducted. |
| Transportation for Work | No | Not a standalone deduction, but dependent care transport may be covered. |
| Student Loans/Credit Cards | No | Not factored into the SNAP calculation. |
| Car Payments | No | Vehicle ownership rules are separate from income deductions. |
How to Report Expenses
In Maryland, you can report changes to your household expenses and income through several methods:
- Online: Use the myMDTHINK portal to update your information. The official portal for managing benefits in Maryland is MarylandBenefits.gov.
- By Phone: Call the Department of Social Services Customer Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.
- In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services office to report changes in person.
- By Mail/Fax: Submit a completed Change Reporting Form (DHS/FIA 491) by mail or fax.
It is important to report any changes, especially increases in qualifying expenses like housing or medical costs, as they can lead to an increase in your monthly SNAP benefit amount.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Benefits
For Maryland households, understanding what bills count for food stamps is the key to maximizing benefits. By diligently reporting all eligible expenses, including shelter, utility, dependent care, and qualifying medical costs, you ensure your benefit calculation is as accurate as possible. Keeping organized records of these bills is essential for the verification process. For questions or to report changes, always contact the Maryland Department of Human Services through their official channels to get the most up-to-date and reliable information.
